anteriour

Adjective

anterior (not comparable)

1. Nearer the forward end, especially in the front of the body; nearer the head or forepart of an animal.
   • Transillumination of anterior teeth, using the composite curing light placed labially to shine through the tooth and be viewed using the mouth mirror, shows up any cavities as dark interproximal shadows.2013, Carole Hollins, Questions and Answers for Dental Nurses, page 44
   1. (of a part of a flower or leaf) Situated further away from the mainstem.
   2. Pronounced with an obstruction located in front of the palato-alveolar region of the mouth, e.g. b, p, d, t.
2. (formal) Coming before or earlier in time or development, prior to, preceding.
   • anterior to the time when mankind have become capable of being improved by free and equal discussion.1859, John Stuart Mill, On Liberty